Manila Mayor Isko Moreno talks to residents of Vitas, Tondo on Wednesday, July 3, 2019, at Manila City Hall regarding the fate of their slaughterhouse, which is reportedly planned to be converted into either a casino or a cockpit arena. INQUIRER.net/Faye Orellana
MANILA, Philippines — Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso assured Vitas, Tondo residents that the place where their slaughterhouse once stood will not be turned into a casino.
“Pumanatag kayo at matulog kayo nang mahimbing, wala akong itatayong casino sa Vitas Slaughterhouse,” Moreno told urban poor leaders when they met Wednesday afternoon at Manila City Hall.
He also assured residents that he will look into the legality of the planned construction of a cockpit arena there.
It was during the term of Mayor Joseph Estrada that the construction of a cockpit arena in Vitas was hatched.
“Aaralin ko sa mata ng batas ‘yung legalidad ng pagtatayo nila ng sabungan. Tanggapin man nila o hindi, tapos na ang halalan, alam natin na sabungan iyon – cockpit arena,” Moreno said
“‘Pag may pamamaraan na illegal, basta ayoko rin na abusado, hindi matutuloy. Eh kung mayroon naman silang pamamaraan na proteksyunan ang interest nila, lilimitahan ko naman,” he added.
Prior to his assumption into office last Sunday, Moreno visited Vitas and promised residents that he will revive the slaughterhouse and ensure measures will be undertaken to preserve the quality of meat being sold there. (Editor: Katherine G. Adraneda)